Official Review: Serial K Returns by Brian Gallagher

starshipsaga · Post by **starshipsaga** » 19 Jun 2018, 10:56

Wow, this sounds right up my alley. I was a little hesitant when I saw that it was a sequel, but I'm very glad to hear it can be read as a standalone without having read the first one. I also find it interesting that Craig Breedlove isn't just another two-dimensional serial killer. What he's doing is still terrible, but I didn't think there would be a vigilante angle behind his motives, which makes this an intriguing read.

Nimat87 · Post by **Nimat87** » 19 Jun 2018, 10:58

The books plot will no doubt be intriguing for me, and it seems like a generally interesting story. Thanks for the engaging review.

jst123 · Post by **jst123** » 19 Jun 2018, 11:03

Official Review: Serial K Returns by Brian Gallagher

It sounds good and the its just I am not so much into reading much books that talk about killings and murder unlike some time back when I loved them but I give it a 3 out 4 not because I don't enjoy such books but because the author did a good although the cover looks scary.

anwidmer · Post by **anwidmer** » 19 Jun 2018, 11:04

Aubrey Cana Laine wrote: ↑15 Jan 2018, 09:47 [Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Serial K Returns" by Brian Gallagher.]

4 out of 4 stars
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Have you ever delved into the mind of a serial killer? Have you ever wondered about their intentions, their thoughts, and how they weave their plans? Brian Gallagher's novel Serial K Returns gives us a full reading experience how a murderer thinks and acts in his story.

Serial K Returns is a sequel to Gallagher's Serial K. However, there is no need to read the first book since Serial K Returns can act as a standalone. Basically, this sequel introduces the serial killer, Craig Breedlove, who had apparently survived back in Serial K and is out for revenge. Being a victim of priest molestation when he was young, he assumes a new identity and sets out to avenge the other boys who had their lives ruined because of the same trauma he experienced. The protagonists, two FBI agents named Ryan O’Callahan and Lea Pucci, seek to reveal the mystery behind these unprecedented murders.

The thing that I like about this book is the manner in which the author portrayed his character, serial killer Craig Breedlove, and how his mind worked. Gallagher wrote him in such a way that it made me have mixed feelings about him. I disliked the way he went about his revenge — which is the rather brutal killings — but there was always this nagging feeling inside me that those priests deserved what was coming for them. Even the way they tried to justify their actions left me flabbergasted at how they believed that they had already been forgiven of their sins and were reserved a spot on Heaven. There were also times when I sympathized with Craig, especially the moments whenever he seemed almost vulnerable.

On the other hand, there’s not much to dislike, actually. The plot’s pace is good enough for me, and even though I was more invested in Craig Breedlove rather than the two FBI agents, the story managed to draw me in. Lea Pucci amazed me with her strong, independent self as well as her empathetic side when she finally confronted Craig. It just made me realize all the more that childhood traumas can really shape a person into a deeply confused and twisted adult, especially when no one in their lives understood them and their pain.

All in all, I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. There were very little typos, and the story flowed rather well for a thriller genre. I especially liked the ending of the book because it showed that there are reasons, no matter how skewed they may be, behind every intention. A fair warning, though: this book is not for the softest of hearts due to the detailed descriptions of gore. However, I am definitely recommending this to those who love thrillers and crime/mystery.

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Serial K Returns
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Im extremely pleased to see this book as the book of the day! Wishing my TBR list was shorter so i could get to it faster. The idea that the story is told through tge eyes of the killer intrigues me to no end. I will be reading this one for sure!

MsTri · Post by **MsTri** » 19 Jun 2018, 11:09

As a follow-up to my previous comment:

I never did read either book in this series yet - time constraints! - but this one in particular sounds a lot like a book I recently read and reviewed, Prey to the Lord, about a serial killer offing those who molest children and the murders get more and more gruesome. I LOVED that book, so I'm sure I'd love this one, too...if only I could find the time!

jemgirl202 · Post by **jemgirl202** » 19 Jun 2018, 11:13

I am always interested in a good thriller or crime novel. I am glad that the author really dives into the mind of a serial killer and explores what made him become a serial killer in the first place! Congrats on book of the day! Great review!

simplymica26 · Post by **simplymica26** » 19 Jun 2018, 11:14

Nice! My cup of tea. I'm a fan of criminal behavioural scenario where in knowing how they become criminals, what are the trauma they've been through and why they are doing crimes. I'm excited to read this book! Thank you for your review And congratulations! Appreciate the warning but I don't mind the gore part.

Cardinalsparrow · Post by **Cardinalsparrow** » 19 Jun 2018, 11:15

Seems like a nice book, I like crime thrillers but only few of them try to bring to us the action through the Killer's perspective. I sure have to read this one

Lizbeth2 · Post by **Lizbeth2** » 19 Jun 2018, 11:21

official review of "Serial K Returns" by Brian Gallagher
This book reminds me of the movies I do watch
I really do feel bad for Craig but the priests deserve what they got
Nice work tho

llpwap · Post by **llpwap** » 19 Jun 2018, 11:21

If the cover wasn't enough to pull you in that review would be...great review. So glad that this can be read as a standalone.

smc19 · Post by **smc19** » 19 Jun 2018, 11:36

Given a twisted set of circumstances and an environment in which to grow the line between justice and revenge easily becomes blurred and diminished...something that those of us in law enforcement see every day. Identifying the villain isn't always black-and-white. I read the first dozen or so pages of the text and knew this book would be one that draws the reader into the story deeper and deeper with every page turn. The perspective of Breedlove is better understood through the lens of what happened to him in the first book; much more enjoyable to have read that first. Excellent review.

Sanyesto · Post by **Sanyesto** » 19 Jun 2018, 11:41

A thriller story showcasing the mind of a serial killer who is on the revenge mission against those who abused him while he was a kid.

Samy Lax · Post by **Samy Lax** » 19 Jun 2018, 11:44

So, THAT's how a murderer thinks and acts! I mean, no one has even attempted to write such a book before. This author has written on this subject so well that we even end up developing mixed feelings for murderers. Who would have thought that to be possible?

María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda · 19 Jun 2018, 11:44

I love me a good thriller! And I´m utterly fascinated by the mind of psychopaths, sociopaths, and serial killers. I´ll probably agree with you that those priests had it coming, but I´ll have to read it and see for myself, which I´ll do as soon as possible.
Thanks for a great review.

lionmoon_3 · Post by **lionmoon_3** » 19 Jun 2018, 11:45

Serial K Returns

There's something inherently satisfying when 'bad' guys get their just desserts! Drug dealers, pedophile priests, all seem deserving to meet their final destination whether it is at the hands of 'heroes' or unsavory characters like the Avenger. Somehow, the violence is justified, acceptable. Or not. What if these cravings for justice, for drugs, for sex, did not exist?